Obituary of Robbie Berg

Robbie was born on March 9th, 1926 in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, the sixth of nine children born to Olaf & Mary Berg. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Sexsmith for a few years where he was joined by his brother Stuart. A little later they moved again to East Pouce Coupe, where his sister Joyce was born. Once more, the family moved -this time to Groundbirch, B.C. where Olaf homesteaded the home quarter. Times were hard in those days but they like many others, managed by much hard work and ingenuity. Rob and his siblings went to the Groundbirch one-room school. After Robbie left school he began his working life. Rob was called to the Army in 1944 and completed his basic training in Calgary and Ontario, where he received honours for target shooting. On December 3rd, 1949 Robbie married Mary Neil, his best friend and loving partner for the next 58 years. Robbie and Mary purchased the homestead from his parents and still resided there at the time of Robbie's passing. Robbie worked in the small sawmills that dotted the Peace Country in the early years, becoming a skilled sawyer. In 1967, he went to work at Canfor in Chetwynd where he worked as a log roller and then as a millwright. He moved his family to Chetwynd in July of that year. They lived there until Robbie's retirement in 1986, when he, Mary and Jennifer returned to the farm that Robbie and Mary had maintained all along. In 1989 Robbie returned to Canfor as a maintenance supervisor until 1991. In 1991 he retired for good. This brought time to farm, raise horses, and take a trip to Scotland. Robbie lived a happy and full life right to the last day. He had great curiosity about the world, and a wonderful sense of humour. His honesty and sense of fair play were unquestionable. Three of Rob's great passions were his family, his work, and his politics. He always put his children first and was there to help whenever he was needed. He was very proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will so miss his keen mind, his strength, his caring, and his wit. Rest Well. Robbie is survived by his loving wife, Mary, his children, Ellen (Daryl), Stan, Nancy, Greg, Shirley (Phil), Jennifer (Dave), nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Florence Hamel and Joyce (Jack) Young, his brother Stu (Blondie) Berg, sister-in-law Yuvonne Berg, brothers-in-law Jim (Helen) Neil, Dave (Bea) Neil, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Stan, Jesse, Ollie and Doug, nephews Stephen and Dougie, and nieces Sharon, Angela and Ashley. Eulogy Presented By: Earl Linsley A celebration of Robbie's life was held on January 25, 2008 at 2:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel, Pastor Lee Stephenson officiated. Interment will be at a later date. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium